By Dr Gordon Rixon, PhD, SJ, The University Of Toronto — The Conversation, 4 January 2022
Making and breaking New Year’s resolutions is a familiar and discouraging annual ritual for many people. Almost inevitably, in a few short weeks, many find they are unable to meet their goals of self-improvement, be it keeping a positive attitude, improving one’s health or looking for the best in people. The problem, as I see it, is that most people set out with their resolutions often without identifying a practical path for the journey.
As a scholar of systematic theology, I believe that Saint Ignatius of Loyola, a 16th-century Spanish courtier, provides insightful guidance. Born in 1491, Ignatius was the youngest son of a minor noble family in the Basque region of Spain who later, while recuperating from injuries suffered in battle, began to notice that when he dreamed about courtly heroism he later felt depleted, but when he reflected about serving God he felt a deep, lasting and energizing peace. This reflection led him to make a radical change in direction. In 1540, he founded the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), known throughout the world for spiritual development, preparatory and university education, and justice advocacy.
Ignatius developed a five-step daily process known as the “Examen” as a practical tool for self-awareness and growth. These steps include: starting with a realistic and encouraging assessment of your current situation, acknowledging strengths and vulnerabilities; being open to a larger perspective by calling upon a higher power; focusing on the events of today and how they link to your goals; identifying moments of darkness and discouragement that resist being drawn into your story; and reflecting on how your story offers direction and energy to move forward.
The key lesson from Ignatius is not to become suddenly perfect but to learn how to walk patiently and deliberately to grow in love and service despite imperfection. By committing to accept the cost of positive action in the face of his own failings or opposition by others, Ignatius was able to move through obstacles and find encouragement and strength to advance his story. Like Ignatius, many of us may need to revise our resolutions and reflect on how we may proceed, even when we feel discouraged. This article has been republished under Creative Commons licence.